For an European viewer, the most bizarre moment of the inauguration yesterday was the President of the United States performing for the crowd. Take the Commander in Chief Ball. Donald and Melania Trump walk on stage, greet the public and… start doing a little dance for the people. Nobody else was dancing. All had their phones out and were busy filming the president dance for them. A scene that would not have been out of place at a concert. The Vance family joins the Trumps and they, too, start dancing. Then they dance with members of the military, while the cameras never stop.
I have nothing against Donald Trump doing his by now trademark moves to the YMCA anthem. It’s his thing and it’s fun to watch. I love it. But performing for the crowds? It’s quite stunning for us Europeans, where heads of state are usually stuffy and protocol is more rigorous. While I found the moment a bit unsettling, I am inclined to say that it has to do with the American spirit. Many of those present at the three inauguration balls in Washington paid good money to be there so it’s only fair they get some bang for the buck. One has to admire Donald Trump. After such a packed day, to find the energy to perform for the crowd is quite a feat. It’s not just about his age. Most of us would be exhausted after such a day. Not to mention poor Melania spending the whole day in criminally high heels. Had they walked in a ballroom and joined the dancers on the floor it would have felt natural, but up there on stage they were clearly just performing for the crowd.
Americans love a great show
As a nation, America is extroverted, to a degree that is unparalleled in Europe. Imagine the late Queen Elizabeth or Vladimir Putin dancing for the cameras of their subjects…The mere thought would have the queen rolling in her grave, as we say round here. Psychologically speaking, I’d say most Americans belong to the sensation type. People who value material possessions and relate to the world through sensation, through experiencing things. In this case, watching. The ball attendees got to watch the president dance for them and they found it a gratifying experience. It was well worth their time and money, as my sensation-type friend would say.
That was probably the point of the weird indoor parade, as well. Put on a great show, for those inside the arena and the millions watching at home. At one point, one of Vance’s kids was that close to throwing a tantrum. Can’t really blame the poor kid. Presumably the adults felt the same. Especially Donald Trump who was waiting to start signing all the orders he had ready. One can imagine the January 6 rioters in jail waiting for Trump to sign the pardon order, but, no, there’s another school band that has to perform at the parade. Not to mention Trump throwing away pens at his supporters, just as a rock band would throw guitar picks to their fans. All in all, great show!
Savior vs. Trickster
Donald Trump is an excellent showman and that played a big role in his successful comeback. As leaders go, Trump does not embody the archetype of the Savior, and this is a very good thing. Some of his hardcore supporters may see him as a Savior, but he is not. Hitler embodied the Savior archetype to his followers and in his own mind, and can you imagine him dancing to delight the crowd?
Given his America first and foremost rhetoric, Trump as Savior could be a disaster for the rest of the world. Trump is the Trickster archetype, which sometimes approximates the Savior. The role of the Trickster is to challenge and disrupt the status quo, which he did brilliantly. The Trickster uses mischief and cunning to attain his goals. His supporters praise his cunning, while his enemies decry the mischief. Most important, the Trickster can be a force for good … or evil. His first moves, the first executive orders signed are a good sign. For the time being, we can hope he will deliver on his promises, but one should never forget he’s a trickster at heart.
